Tonkinson

Tonkinson is a distinguished British surname with origins that can be traced back to the medieval era. The name is considered to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English personal name "Tun" meaning "settlement" or "enclosure", combined with the patronymic suffix "-son", which denotes "son of". Therefore, Tonkinson translates to "son of Tun".

The surname Tonkinson is most commonly found in the northern regions of England, particularly in Yorkshire and Lancashire. The early records of the Tonkinson family indicate that they were landowners and farmers, owning considerable estates in the rural countryside.

Over the centuries, the Tonkinson surname has branched out into various spellings, including Tomkinson and Tomlinson, reflecting the variations in dialect and pronunciation across different regions in England. Notable individuals bearing the surname Tonkinson have made significant contributions in various fields, such as academia, literature, and business.

The Tonkinson family crest features elements that symbolise strength, loyalty, and resilience, reflecting the virtues traditionally associated with the name. Today, individuals with the surname Tonkinson can be found across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world, contributing to the rich tapestry of British heritage.

There are approximately 563 people named Tonkinson in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Tonkinson.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Barry
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Amanda
  • Caroline
  • Claire
  • Deborah
  • Dorothy
  • Jessamie
  • Joan
  • Kelly
  • Louise
  • Mandy
  • Margaret
  • Patricia

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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